FAQs

The College was established when the Government of Ontario proclaimed the Social Work and Social Service Work Act (SWSSWA) on August 15, 2000. In accordance with the SWSSWA, the primary duty of the College is to serve and protect the public interest.

As the regulator of social workers and social service workers in Ontario, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers publishes Discipline Committee decisions to inform the public about social workers or social service workers who have engaged in professional misconduct or are incompetent.[1]

Yes, provided that certain requirements are met. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC), states that registered social workers who have “a master’s degree in social work, and hold a current certificate of registration” with the College may complete supporting assessments recommending gender confirming surgery (GCS).

Yes. If you are changing your name, you must advise the College of both your former name(s) and your new name(s) in writing and include a copy of the change of name certificate or marriage certificate for our records. You may send the information via fax to 416-972-1512, by email to info@ocswssw.org or mail to […]

I am an OCSWSSW member who regularly provides field education to social work/social service work students as part of my practice. Can I use this experience as a learning activity towards the completion of my Continuing Competence Program (CCP)?

I am a member of the OCSWSSW who provides psychotherapy services as part of my practice. Can I call myself a “psychotherapist”?